The Albion Village Board moved a step closer to finalizing its financial roadmap for the coming year during a lengthy workshop meeting Wednesday, April 23, approving a new schedule of fees for village services while fielding questions from residents about water infrastructure and the upcoming budget. The Board voted 3-1 to approve the updated fee schedule, with Trustee William Gabalski casting the lone dissenting vote. Deputy Mayor Greg Bennett was absent. Mayor Angel Javier Jr. and Trustees Joyce Riley and Timothy McMurray voted in favor. The fee schedule, which undergoes periodic updates, includes adjustments for everything from building permits to copy costs. Notably, the Board established new fees for solar energy installations—$150 plus 50 cents per kilowatt for residential systems and $500 plus 50 cents per kilowatt for commercial systems. Installers will also be required to document assurance against system abandonment through a bond, letter of credit, or annual licensing fee. Demolition permits will also see a structured fee based on square footage. Residential dwelling demolitions will carry a base fee of $125 plus 30 cents per square foot, while commercial structure demolitions will start at $350 plus 50 cents per square foot. However, the cost of alarm permits sparked debate among the trustees. The approved schedule sets a fee of $100 every two years for an alarm device application. According to the minutes, Trustee Gabalski expressed disagreement with this specific flat fee. He suggested during the earlier public hearing that the village should instead impose a fee only when a property generates multiple false alarms, rather than charging for the permit itself. Despite his objection, the motion carried with his vote in the negative. The meeting included a public hearing on the proposed 2025-2026 budget, which opened at 6:25 p.m. and closed just before 6:50 p.m. Resident Jeff Holler addressed the Board regarding the water budget, questioning why funds are not being specifically set aside for future infrastructure repairs. His comments reflect a broader concern among residents regarding the aging water infrastructure in the village, which sits along the Erie Canal. To ensure the budget is finalized in time for the next fiscal year, the Board scheduled a special meeting for Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. solely for the purpose of approving the 2025-2026 budget. In other business, the Board took steps to address two ongoing property and maintenance issues. Regarding 56 N. Main Street, Attorney John Gavenda provided an update to the Board. Following his report, trustees authorized the use of no more than $1,500 for various costs, including the abstract for the property. The motion passed unanimously. On the administrative side, Deputy Treasurer Michelle Martin Rice sought guidance on problematic water meters. She informed the Board about meters that have been providing estimated readings and residents who have failed to schedule appointments to replace non-reporting meters despite numerous attempts to contact them. The Board instructed Rice to bill for all confirmed water usage. In cases where residents refuse to set up appointments to fix meters that are not reporting, the Board advised Rice to bill them at three times their past usage. This higher charge would serve as a placeholder until actual usage can be confirmed, at which point the bill would be corrected. Department heads also provided updates during the workshop. Police Chief David Mogle, accompanied by Orleans County Sheriff Deputy Tooley, spoke with the Board regarding the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle and the Special Response Team (SRT). They emphasized the importance of these assets for officer and public safety during critical situations and high-risk incidents. DPW Superintendent Jay Pahura, along with Jeff Holler, discussed the upcoming installation of items on the multi-use field at Bullard Park. They noted that the cost of these upgrades would be covered by donations. In personnel matters, the Board accepted the resignation of village cleaner Amy Jaczynski, effective May 3, 2025. Following that acceptance, the Board moved to advertise for a part-time replacement position. The pay for the new role was set at $200 per week with varying hours. The Board also acknowledged the intent of Mecate Albion LLC, doing business as Mecate Mexican Restaurant, to apply for a liquor license. Finally, the meeting concluded with an executive session beginning at 8:10 p.m. to discuss contracts. The Board exited the closed session at 8:36 p.m. and adjourned.